A Lesson in Lion and Zebra

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, in partnership with the Duval County Public Schools and the Health Sciences Academy at Andrew Jackson High School has a program where high school students conduct research while learning about career opportunities. The student commitment is eight hours a week for eight weeks.

This past semester, eight students were each assigned to a keeper area to learn about zookeeping. They were divided into four teams to develop an animal behavior project. The teams were required to gather data, organize information, interpret their findings, and present the results in a formal setting.

In the top photo, the students are painting pinata made of a cardboard tubes with non-toxic paint to make a "zebra." The pinata is given to the keeper, who places meat inside the body of the enrichment, and places the enrichment on exhibit. The students watch and take behavioral notes when the lion is put out on exhibit. In this case, the lion crouched low, and stalked the zebra as if it was alive. He found the meat quickly and consumed it on the spot.

Photo by Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens